Air Fryer Pork Schnitzel

Air Fryer Pork Schnitzel is made with thin pork cutlets, breaded in seasoned panko crumbs and air fried for just 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Course Dinner

Cuisine German

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 328kcal

Author Leanne Combden

Ingredients

4-5 boneless pork chops ½-inch thick, trimmed
¼ cup whole wheat flour
1 large egg
¾ cup panko crumbs
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
spray oil

Instructions

Lay a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper on your work surface and arrange the pork chops in a single layer on top. Cover with another piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
Use a mallet to pound each pork chop to ¼-inch thick.
Prepare your breading stations. Add the flour to a shallow bowl (or rimmed plate). In another shallow bowl, whisk your egg. And, in a third shallow bowl, mix together the panko crumbs and seasonings.
Cover each piece of pork in a light coating of flour, dip it in the egg (let any excess egg drip off) and then coat it in the panko crumb mixture. (Use your fingers to lightly press the crumbs into the surface of the pork).
Place the pork cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray the tops with oil. (Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to air fry in two batches).
Air fry on 400F for 5 minutes. Flip the pork over, spray the tops and air fry for another 3-5 minutes. The pork should be golden brown and crispy with an internal temperature between 145F and 160F (see note below).
Remove from air fryer basket and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Repeat with remaining pork, if necessary.

Notes

According to the USDA, pork should be cooked to at least 145F with a 3 minute rest time. In Canada, the recommended minimum internal temperature is 160F. I normally use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
I use one hand to coat the pork in flour and dip in the egg, keeping the other hand dry to coat each pork chop in the panko mixture and transfer to the air fryer. If you use the same hand, your fingers will get clumpy with egg and panko crumbs.
Schnitzel is air fried on a high heat to create the browned and crispy coating. To ensure the middle is cooked, the pork cutlets need to be pounded out to ¼-inch thick. If they're thicker, they will take longer to air fry.
You’ll want the pork chops just lightly dusted in flour so be sure to shake off any excess. If they have too much flour on them, it will make the egg mixture thick and lumpy.
To get the breading golden brown and crispy, you'll want to lightly spray each side of the breaded cutlets with oil.
For quick and even cooking, make sure you air fry the pork in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to air fry the schnitzel in two batches.
The pork will cook quickly. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness so you don't overcook and dry out the pork.

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